Reply With QuoteStill looks great!
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A couple of days ago I dug this out of the safe. My first Rolex- an Airking I bought nearly new in 1997 and wore as my main/daily for many years, in alternation with an old Datejust and a 1500 Date.
Those were the happy days before the disease took hold, when 3 watches felt like more than I’d ever need. This one hasn’t seen much use in recent years and is long overdue a service.
For many years I babied it -very soon after buying it I added the DJ which was in tired cosmetic condition to use as a “beater”. The DJ has been spruced up much more recently courtesy of Brendan and now looks very smart.
A few years in I made the mistake of lending the AK to my then-girlfriend who, over several months, must have contacted every single hard object she walked past while wearing it. I retrieved it before she totally destroyed it but it now badly needs some TLC. And that service.
Even so, I still think this has to be one of the best under-the-cuff and under-the-radar watches I have, out of the hundred-plus I now own. To my mind these Airkings epitomise tasteful and understated rugged elegance. And I don’t care that it’s 34mm!
So gents, my old friend- my 1997 Airking. Snapped just now in a shaded corner of Dartmouth House’s courtyard, and as comfortable here in Mayfair as it has been travelling around countless places far less salubrious.
Still looks great!
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I absolutely love that. It’s similar to my Buckley dialled Datejust 1601 which is tucked away. I really should fetch it out and wear it now you’ve reminded me how lovely these dials are.
I hope you enjoy your Air King for another 20 years
Looks ageless, superb. I like the AK’s having just bought a new one a few days ago, haven’t taken stickers of yet.
Nice clear easy to read, I hope to pick up some vintage examples maybe later this year especially a 5700.
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I don't remember seeing one of those - absolutely terrific.
Too small for me but my wife has the same one, as you said it's totally under the radar but IMO a thing of beauty.
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Great looking watch Adrian.
Thank you gents.
Funnily enough the chap who came for my last meeting of the day was wearing a modern 116900 Airking. The WIS in me demanded a digression from our terribly interesting discussion about some client tax stuff to compare the two side by side- I’d have loved to have taken a pic of them but he’d have thought I was odd (which I am!) so I didn’t. Interesting to see how much bigger and heavier the new model is- I already have a 214270 Explorer but now want to add a 116900 to the fleet!
I would certainly recommend a 116900 and yes they are surprisingly heavy but not outrageously and they site very comfortably
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Great watch, beautiful dial. Best of all, no date!
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